ANCAP has re-tested the MG 5 following several updates to the small sedan. This time, the MG 5 has received a three-star safety rating.

In its initial test in 2023, the MG 5 received a zero-star safety rating, making it one of only three vehicles to receive such a score from ANCAP, alongside the Mahindra Scorpio and the now-discontinued Mitsubishi Express.

In the latest round of testing, the MG 5 received the following scores:

• Adult Occupant Protection: 62% (up from 37%)

• Child Occupant Protection: 68% (up from 58%)

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 65% (up from 42%)

• Safety Assist: 59% (up from 13%)

These improved scores reflect upgrades in both structural design and safety technology, contributing to better performance in ANCAP’s latest assessments.

The updated MG 5 is now equipped for the first time with seatbelt pre-tensioners for both front and rear outboard seating positions. ANCAP conducted frontal offset and full-width frontal crash tests to evaluate the effectiveness of these features.

In addition, ANCAP conducted whiplash tests, pedestrian impact tests, and on-track collision avoidance tests, and also included results from supplementary tests conducted in 2023.

ANCAP noted clear improvements in crash performance during both the full-width and frontal offset crash tests. These included better protection for the driver’s head, chest, and lower legs, as well as chest protection for front-seat passengers in the frontal offset test.

In the full-width frontal test, the MG 5 received full marks for driver neck and chest protection, a significant improvement over the previous “Marginal” rating. Rear passenger chest protection also improved from “Poor” to “Marginal,” which ANCAP attributed to the effectiveness of pre-tensioners and load limiters in managing crash forces.

However, there were still “Weak” scores for neck and chest protection of a 10-year-old child in the frontal offset test.

Although the MG 5 has always come standard with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), the latest model now adds pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcycle detection, enhancing its crash avoidance capabilities.

The new MG 5 is also equipped with Lane Keep Assist and Emergency Lane Keep Assist, as well as seatbelt reminders for all five seats as standard features.

MG had promised safety upgrades for the small sedan since December 2023, which was the same month the car received its zero-star rating.